#USA #Albuquerque #USPS #Native Americans #Powwow Stamps

USPS Celebrates Native American Culture with New Stamp Release

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is set to honor the vibrant heritage of Native American culture with a new set of stamps entitled "Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture." This event is scheduled to coincide with the highly anticipated Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, which takes place annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A Celebration of Culture

On April 25th, 2025, a special first-day-of-issue ceremony will be held, marking the official launch of the stamps. Steve Monteith, the chief customer and marketing officer at USPS, will officiate this momentous occasion, highlighting the significance of powwows in preserving Native American traditions.

Powwows serve as festive gatherings that allow Indigenous communities to celebrate their identities through various art forms, including dance, prayer, music, and crafts. The Gathering of Nations, the largest powwow in the United States, attracts over 100,000 attendees each year, making it a crucial platform for cultural exchange and community building.

The Art Behind the Stamps

The new stamps feature four intricately designed images showcasing traditional dances performed by Native Americans. These include the Women's Traditional Dance, the Crow Hop Dance, the Men's Hoop Dance, and the Women's Fancy Shawl Dance. The artwork is drawn from original paintings created by Mateo Romero, an artist from Cochiti Pueblo. Romero captures the essence of these performances by photographing dancers in their traditional attire and painting over these images to enhance their visual impact.

Designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS, these stamps will maintain their value equal to the current first-class mail one-ounce rate, ensuring accessibility for everyone wishing to celebrate this important cultural milestone.

Attending the Ceremony

The ceremony will take place at the Tingley Coliseum, located in Expo New Mexico at 300 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM, beginning at 1:30 PM MDT. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at the USPS website, where a limited number of admission tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that all interested parties have an opportunity to witness this significant event.

The powwow's opening ceremony will feature a grand entry parade, showcasing Native veterans, tribal elders, and a variety of dancers and musicians celebrating their cultural heritage. This annual gathering also includes competitions, arts and crafts displays, and a chance to give back to those in need through donations and giveaways.

How to Obtain the Stamps

Customers can purchase the Powwow stamps along with other philatelic products through the USPS Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps. Additional purchasing options include phone orders at 844-737-7826, mail orders through USA Philatelic, or by visiting any Post Office location nationwide. For those keen on collecting, the USPS Officially Licensed Collection available on Amazon is another great avenue.

In summary, the USPS's Powwow stamps not only symbolize a celebration of Native American culture but also serve as a reminder of the rich traditions and communal bonds forged through these vibrant gatherings. Through this initiative, the Postal Service aims to honor and elevate the importance of Indigenous roots in American history, enriching the cultural tapestry of the nation.

Conclusion

The Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture stamps present a unique opportunity for collectors and cultural enthusiasts alike to engage with and appreciate Native American history and artistry. This initiative not only fosters recognition of Indigenous cultures but also aims to bridge communities through shared celebration and understanding.